Appalachian State University deputy athletics director Rick Beasley announced his retirement on Tuesday, effective June 30.

“It’s with mixed emotions that I announce this decision,” Beasley said. “On one hand, I look forward to what the next chapter of my life holds after 33 years of public service. On the other hand, I love Appalachian State. It was particularly hard to make the decision to step away at this time because I am so excited about the future of the department under the leadership of (athletics director) Doug Gillin.”

Beasley

“I have sincerely and thoroughly enjoyed working with Doug over the past couple of months,” Beasley continued. “I look forward to continuing to assist in any way that I can to make his transition to the university and his family’s transition to the community a smooth one. Appalachian State athletics will flourish under his leadership and I plan to be around often as it does!”

“Finally, over the next two months, it is my primary goal to help the Yosef Club reach the $3 million mark for annual donations once again,” Beasley concluded. “Thanks to the support of App Nation, we are close to reaching that milestone and we’ll all work tirelessly until it is achieved.”

Beasley joined the Appalachian athletics staff in 2006 as a senior associate athletics director and was promoted to deputy athletics director in 2014. In his role, Beasley served as the athletics department’s chief development officer and was heavily involved in the department’s day-to-day operations.

Appalachian athletics enjoyed unprecedented fundraising success under Beasley’s leadership. After never topping $700,000 in any full year prior to his arrival, the Yosef Club (Appalachian athletics’ fundraising arm) has raised at least $1 million in each of Beasley’s nine full years at the university and surpassed the $3 million mark in 2013 and 2014.

Additionally, Beasley has overseen the solicitation of donations for naming rights and premium seating that has funded much of Appalachian’s $50 million in athletics facility enhancements since his arrival.

He served as interim director of athletics from August 15, 2014 until Gillin’s arrival last month.

“Rick informed me of his decision to retire on Monday,” Gillin said. “While I wish that I could have worked with him longer, I understand his decision and wish him and his wife, Diana, nothing but the best as they enter a new chapter in their lives together.”

“In the short time that I’ve known him, I have learned that Rick is a man of great integrity and valued member of the University, the athletics department and the community,” Gillin continued. “He has achieved great things as both a student-athlete and a staff member. On behalf of the Appalachian family, I congratulate him on his retirement and look forward to seeing him at Mountaineer games this fall and beyond!”

An All-America wide receiver at Appalachian from 1977-80, Beasley set seven school records during his playing career and remains the program’s all-time leader in yards per reception (17.6) and 100-yard games (16) in a career. In addition to being named a second-team Associated Press All-American in 1979, he was also the Southern Conference Male Athlete of the Year in 1979-80, a three-time all-conference performer and an academic all-conference honoree.

For 17 years prior to his return to Appalachian (1989-2006), Beasley served as the city manager for Conover, N.C. As city manager, he served at the pleasure of the city council and was responsible for the administration of all city departments. Beasley was also the town manager of Scotland Neck, N.C. (1985-89) and an assistant city manager in Lenoir, N.C. (1982-85).

Beasley earned both a B.A. in political science with a minor in economics and a M.A. with a concentration in local government from Appalachian. His wife, Diana, is director of teacher education recruitment for the Appalachian office of admissions. She earned a M.A. in higher education administration and university and community leadership from Appalachian.